Donate to Help The Forum School's Special Students

My name is Christopher Sobel, and I will be running the length of the state of New Jersey from the Cape May lighthouse to Highpoint New Jersey (approximately 214 miles!), raising funds for the "The Forum School" in Waldwick, New Jersey. Founded in 1954, The Forum School has proudly served children ages 5-21 who are eligible for special education and related services for 70 years! The students may have a clinical diagnosis, such as Autism Spectrum disorder, Asperger's syndrome, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, or mental health conditions. Regardless of challenges faced by its students, The Forum School offers the promise of new achievements and hope, while providing an environment of dignity, worth and celebrating every milestone and achievement of eachstudent.

The Forum School is so much more than just a school for children with special and unique needs, it feels and acts as an extended family to the many students who attend. My daughter, Saylor, who has autism, is a student herself at The Forum School, and over the last few years we have seen her blossom and flourish here. The support, care and compassion she has and still receives from the staff at The Forum School is second to none. Our daughter, who struggled greatly and cried everyday in other placements, now is excited to attend school and greets each staff member going both into and on her way out of school each day. The smiles and happiness on the students’ and staffs’ faces are a testament to the true joy and love that fills the halls of this amazing place. My daughter would not have progressed and reached the level of functioning and confidence she has without the dedication and specialized environment provided at The Forum School.

Your generous donation will help continue to provide resources needed for the many ongoing programs and special events offered to the students. It will also help continue to provide each and every student a free, hot, freshly made lunch by the school chef regardless of socioeconomic status. Lunchtime is a special time for students and staff where they dine together by class each day. Students rotate jobs, like setting the table and helping to clear the table, they also work on social skill and social interaction. Lunch at The Forum School is a structured learning environment, which is why the school continues to provide a free healthy lunch to all its students.

I could go on all day about what a wonderful place The Forum School is, it truly is one of a kind and a magical place for its amazing children to thrive and be celebrated. As the father of a "special needs" child, people often ask me what I want for my daughter and what her "special needs are". To put it simply my daughter "needs" to be loved, protected, valued, included, accepted for who she is, a place in the world to contribute and show her worth, allowed to express herself in a safe environment, treated with respect and as an equal....come to think of it her "needs" aren't so "special", these are things all of us "need". The Forum School is the place that provides this and so much more to these wonderful students. The Forum School has done so much for my daughter and so many other students, this fundraiser is my way to contribute and give back to help all the students at this amazing place.

April 2025 I will be running from the Cape May Lighthouse, the most southern tip of New Jersey, to Highpoint New Jersey the highest point of the state of New Jersey along with one my best friends Renee Allegra. This will be our longest run to date and by far our most challenging. This will be a self-supported effort, which means we will have no crew and will be responsible for all our own needs. We will carry our own gear needed and seek food and shelter for rest on our own during my approximately 214 miles run! This may sound crazy to most, but I am willing to put myself through what will undoubtedly be the most challenging and painful ultra-marathon I have ever done, if it provides me the ability to help the students of The Forum School, which means so much to me. The pain, discomfort I will face will be a fraction of the challenges and struggles these amazing children face and overcome throughout their lives.

Your generous donation will help continue to provide to the many trips, activities, celebrations and free lunches to the students of The Forum School